Archive for December, 2017

The last show of 2017 sees lots of holiday spirit as Joel and Corey Hall fight over a movie that critics loved and the audience liked far less – no, not Star Wars (but they get to that), instead it’s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Joel found the characters unlikable and the film boring, while Corey thinks the allegorical message and fine performances made it stand out. It’s a classic argument, but one to consider if you’re into seeing the Oscar-bait movies that come out this time of year. Also, Joel sees Bruce Springsteen’s Broadway show with some A-list company but braved a terrorist attack and snowstorm to do so. Plus, a road update from Ted Moss on his tour through the south, including Joel embarrassing him and Bill Reno in Savannah, Georgia, The Disaster Artist gets reviewed, and more Star Wars coverage at the end of the show. Hear how the guys nailed all the controversies before they even started and how those controversies will impact the future of the franchise.

Joel re-assembles the Jedi Council of reviewers to talk about the new Star Wars film on opening night. Listen as Joel, Corey Hall, Josh Bowab, and Ellen Stachowicz break down the newest installment talking what worked and what didn’t, the direction the films in the future, some odd casting decisions and the influx of cuddly new animals. Is this as good as The Force Awakens? The Original Trilogy? Is this the Han Solo of Star Wars Films, the Jar Jar Binks or something in-between? The first part is spoiler-free so don’t worry if you haven’t seen it yet. You’ll hear the warnings when it happens, so listen to the first on the way to the movie and the second part on the way home. Or throw in an earbud and listen during the show – you won’t have to hear Benecio del Toro! May the Force Be With You for listening to this one!

When you take live phone calls anything can happen. Like on this show, Joel agreed to do a road gig – within minutes of going off an a particular road gig in an epic, caffeine-fueled meltdown. You’ll hear it here as Joel and Corey Hall take a call from comedian Bill Bushart who plugs an upcoming show that Joel had performed at multiple times in the past. Joel goes off on the venue, the management and the booking agents like never before on the show. This is something to hear. Corey shares his memories of some bad rooms and then Bill Hildebrandt, Joel’s mentor in comedy, calls to ask him to be his opening act for a show in January. It’s a perfect storm of irony and it all goes down on this show. Also, The Problem with Apu, is a well-made, rational, convincing, documentary that shows why nobody can take a joke anymore. Hear why some of America’s best known comics have turned on a comedy institution, The Simpsons, and why Joel and Corey think they’re wrong. Plus, a Star Wars: The Last Jedi preview including this podcasts’ review plans, Matt Lauer is the creep of the week, Netflix’s Voyeur documentary is worth a look, Rob Schneider was actually funny, and find out what happens when Marc Maron comes to the Comedy Castle – it’s no big deal apparently, and it wasn’t.